My Lord, it's time. You must leave. They will have you arrested if you stay.
Bring me some candles, I'm working late tonight.
But, my Lord... -And a glass of wine, as usual.
The world changes...
...but the revolution has turned into a whirlwind ...and I will be taken away with it.
Uncertainties sometimes makes people loose sight of right and wrong, driving them mad.
They can tear their hearts apart and turn into animals.
In the year 1764...
...a beast appeared on our lands. It made its home there.
One year later it was known throughout the entire region...
...word spread of its conceived immortality. People began to think no one could hope to defeat it.
Attack after attack, Gevaudan sunk deeper and deeper into the darkness.
Stop!
What do you want?
What did he do?
-He's a thief.
And the women?
His daughter. A witch.
I healed their horses and they refuse to pay.
Don't listen to him. He's a mongrel. His word means nothing.
Are the horses healed? -Yes.
Go on.
Welcome to "The Land of the Beast". Watch out for wolf traps...
Knight Gregoire de Fronsac...
...accompanied by a man simply called Mani weren't hunters nor soldiers.
The Kings very own naturalist...
...the Knight, in Paris, had a reputation for being freeminded and
...a person of intellect. The one who followed him...
...as if his shadow, was a stranger, unknown to anyone.
When evening fell...
...they approached the castle of marquis Apcher...
...who gave them shelter as long as they had business in Gevaudan.
Our people are not afraid of an ordinairy wolf. This animal is something else.
It fears men like all animals do...
...but it spares no one. Be it women or children.
Have you seen it? -No.
Pardon me, but how are you so sure it's an animal?
Those who survived, have all given the same description.
It's much bigger then a mere wolf. It has no fear of bullets either.
I understand your scepticism Mr. Fronsac.
I don't believe in fairytale creatures either...
...I had documents put together for you...
...consisting of the Beasts crimes.
You can draw your own conclusion.
My grandfather said you were fighting the English in Canada...
Yes. I went there to study the local animals and their surroundings.
...but I came back wounded along with the rank of Captain.
I arranged a hospital for the victims of the Beast.
In an old abbey.
A women from Lorciere... ...was heading back from a party...
...when the Beast attacked her. Help came and the Beast fled, vanished...
...as a result her face was left horribly deformed...
Tell me, Knight, how is Mr. Buffon?
...and how are things in Paris?
...and The Innocent One? Have you read it yet?
It is late for philosophy. You're right. How about the theatre?
Do you know any comedians? What are they performing this winter?
Put it right there. People say they are enchanting, the women.
Rumour is, they shall bewitch you with their charms.
Tell me.
This should satisfy your curiousity.
Mercurius of France. We only have the Post of Avignon.
I will show you your sleeping quarters.
He will be sleeping here. -Very good.
Goodnight, Knight.
It's not Versailles, but atleast the wine is good.
Fat as a pig...
Jacques has seen many wolves. What attacked him, was no mere wolf.
The snout was longer and the teeth were like knifes.
If it's not a wolf, what is it then?
The Devil. -Knight.
The Beast has killed again. A women in Saint-Alban.
There.
Don't worry Knight, we are alone.
Stop right there!
What are they doing here? Sons of whores.
Good day, Captain.
Sir Marquis?
My respects. Please, be careful.
Traps are everywhere.
This is Gregoire de Fronsac, from the Kings Garden.
He would like to see the body of this poor soul.
With your permission of course.
It was you who attacked my men.
I did not know they were acting on your command.
They weren't...
I apoligize for their behaviour.
My soldiers are trained for war, they are not hunters.
The intestines were emptied and now some form of poison remains.
What sort of gardener are you?
When the Beast is caught and killed, the King wants an autopsy performed...
...and have it perserved in Paris. That's why I'm here.
Now I am simply trying to familiarize myself with it.
My God, according to this, this creature contains more then 60 kilos of jaw crushing power...
I will catch it Mr. Marquis. Before the first snow, I will have it.
With help, it won't escape.
Have laid eyes on it? -Just once.
Some thirteen months ago, I shot it head on.
It collapsed but sprung to its feet, unavaided.
We lost it south of the Mouchet.
Did it look like this?
More the size and shape of a black bear ...with large quils on its back.
Friends, let me introduce you to the author of these paintings.
Knight Gregoire de Fronsac...
...the man comes from Paris.
To catch the Beast.
His Eminence, the Bisshop of Mende.
His Eminence, the Duke of Moncan
His Eminence, the Count of Morangias...
..The Countess of Morangias and their son Jean-Francois...
...who has, himself, traveled extensively...
Very nice.
Thank you.
Mr. Laffond, our Intendant..
..and The Priest of Saint-Alban, Henrie Sardis.
Tell us...
Are people spreading many tales about the Beast in Paris?
Even written songs. -They should pray.
Would captain Duhamel need Gods help?
Who can't without God's help?
Duhamel has his soldiers dress as women...
...to lure the Beast. What a strategy. -Duhamel does all he can.
I think you humour him. Duhamel is simply incapable.
They cause much destruction. But the Beast remains uncaptured.
Funds are set aside from Paris to fund Duhamel in his mission...
...It would server a greater use giving it to my servants.
What do you think?
No need to answer that Knight. He will do what he can and is a good Christian.
Before you arrived, I was being bored to death...
...with the good God and all that holy talk.
It would not surprise me if the Pope sent a spies...
...to see if the Beast was a manifestation of the Devil himself.
Excuse me.
Marianne de Morangias. Hard to get, very hard to get.
Everyone is after her and none the closer.
Who is he? -Maxime des Forets. An actor.
Piece of cake. -Careful. He's a Morangias...
Madame... -Hello. Pardon me, we are busy...
Maxime des Forets?
What a pleasure. Good actors are so rare.
The Marquis was talking about you. -The Marquis?
He's considering having memoires written about him and his family.
He's thinking about you. -He is?
He is in a good mood. It's now or never.
Dont let on you are aware of his desire. Let him bring forth he's request on his own accord.
Madame, excuse me...
You should be ashamed -My God. No.
So Mr. Naturalist ... what do you think of our countryside?
Until now I have not yet seen the pretty things. Save one.
Is this how you speak to a lady in the courts?
No...something like this, you should save for innocent farm girls.
I would go to the courts if there were beautiful ladies such as yourself.
Food is being served. Let us dine.
After you my Lady.
We were in Saint-Laurence for merely twelve days before when we found the...
..strangest animal. Caught in a local fishermans net.
The indians recounted tales of a "Holy Fish".
I was convinced it was nothing but mere legend. A fairytale.
This fish was the size and shape of a trout...
...however, it's body was completely covered with a fur as black as poison.
A furry trout? You're joking. -No, my Lord.
The species called, Salmo Truta Dermopilla, is found in Canada.
This is most bizarre. -The fur is so soft.
Nature is extraordinary.
The water is cold in the North...
This proves the impossible sometimes becomes possible.
This discovery must have brought you a lot of fame.
I doubt he merits it.
But I admit, Knight, you do have a nack as a comedian.
If I had both my hands, I would applaud you.
Jean-Francois... Please excuse him.
Your son is right, Sir Earl, that animal doesn't exist.
My embalmer in the Kings Garden is very skilled. Pardon me for the deception.
So you say the Beast does not truly exist, save in our imaginations?
..are we then imbeciles?
I am merely saying Madame...
...people have never seen dragons or a unicorns, simply in fairytales.
Lies sometimes become truth when told with a silver tongue.
Careful, Knight. We do not know of such talk...
By the way, are you a naturalist or philosopher?
Or worse...a comedian?
I think our Knight is for certain, a Parisian.
Enough talk about beasts and furry fish.
Perhaps sherades?
I would like to perform a love poem. If the Countess has no objections...
If it's not immoral. -Immoral? No, no.
It's very chaste and pure.
Nothing elaborate and far fetched. It just came to me infact.
I call it "The Wolf"...The Wolf.
''I let down my guard, just a little.
Not knowing of evil, My eyes fall upon you.
Yours upon me, they strike my heart.
The wolf, the wolf, the wolf"
Will I see you again soon?
Do you have other mystical creatures to show me? -You have already rushed to a conclusion about me.
Allow me to change your mind. - You can try.
Will you be attending Duhamel's great hunt? -Certainly.
I forbid you. It's far too dangerous.
Obediance is the first virtue of young women.
This young man speaks the truth.
It was on that day, in Gevaudan, the biggest hunt to ever take place in France.
The King promised six thousand pounds, to any man that could capture the Beast.
Thousands of peasants, soldiers and hunters, spanning from across the entire region, made an appearance.
Within a few hours, we had forgotten our primary reason for coming... ...to capture the fabled Beast that hunted us.
You have all been given a map. We assemble at 07:00 tomorrow.
Now, please you are dismissed. My people have other things to concern themselves with.
Your generousity is only matched by your courage Sir Duke...
Enough. I hope for your sake we catch it this time.
That's a certainty, Sir Duke.
What's going on down there, what is the commotion?
A beautiful weapon, no?
Specially made by a famous blacksmith in Mende.
Custom made and one of a kind.
Look...
...even in Paris you can't find such bullets. I mold them myself.
Silver? You fear werewolves?
No, but I do like a well made fire arm.
I'm a hunter Fronsac. Its a passion that is not without its price.
What happened?
I've learnt that some predators need more then a silver bullet...
...and that gangreen cannot be cured by prayor.
A wolf that wounded you? -A lion.
Yes, two years in the Royal Marines, you tend to travel quite frequently.
You dont know Africa, Fronsac.
Gentlemen... my daughter is to blame for the fight.
I bring her here. Punish her accordingly.
A witch.
The daughter of the Devil.
Look at her, a demon.
She's sick! She's sick! She's not possessed!
She's not possessed.
The Evil. The sign of the Devil.
Bewitched.
Make sure she doesnt swallow here tongue. She will suffocate.
She's not possessed.
She's not possessed -I know
Naturalist, philosopher...even a doctor.
Well done.
She's not coming Fronsac.
Marquis.
And the people?
Supersticuous. There is nothing new here.
The Indians hunters devoure the hearts of their prey, it gives them strength.
That is why they are called savages...
In Africa, its the heart of their enemies they feast on.
Sir Duke, Jean-Francois, move your people to the east.
So there you are. -Your mother wont approve of this.
Thank you for worrying about me, alas I am already in a convent.
I know you don't approve, you're a freethinker.
Not when one is in love. -Are you in love?
Ridiculous. We hardly know eachother.
You think I was talking about you?
Marianne.
She has to learn to ride like a lady...
A little ride never hurt anyone...
My father evil in no one. -My son sees evil in everything.
Many people died here.
How do you know that?
I hear their screams. -Mani, stop.
He's right. An army had set up camp here.
When it was torched, more then two dozen heretics died.
Is he psychic?
You don't need to be psychic.
You simply need to observe one's environment.
When I was but a child, I would come here with my brother...and play.
Weren't you afraid?
He said would protect me from the ghosts.
Do you not like the hunt? -Is that a crime around here?
According to Indian legend, you steal someone's soul if you draw them.
Does my soul interest you?
Why are you on foot? Do you want to get killed?
It's my fault. -I didn't ask you.
What was that? -Only a wolf.
...and if it was the Beast? -I dont think so...Marianne.
Thank you.
I hope for you sake Captain, one of these wolves is the Beast.
They won't be eatign anyone anymore...
What a strange person.
Where did you find him? -In Canada.
It's a...hwo do you pronouce them, Canadian?
An Indian. An Iroquai, from the tribe called The Mohawks.
An Indian? A real one? He doesnt look like an Indian.
Stay with us tonight at Saint-Alban.
We'll entertain ourselves with your servant.
He's not my servant.
What is he then? -My brother.
How can you mix your blood with that of a savage?
He who shares my discomfort, is no savage.
It was thanks to Mani, I was able to escape from the English.
I thought such people were animals, cannibals even.
As you can see, Mr. Intendant, Mani is no animal.
Would you be able to procriate with a woman of our race?
All women are of the same race when the candles are extinguished.
Yes my father, they all share the same spirit.
Indian wome have had white babies. Proof we are all from the same species.
Do not speak in haste. It's no difference then with the negros...
What do you think Sardis?
Your blood-brother must be a child of God.
Have you had him baptised? -He's never asked.
Very good. You are of your time. -Mani has his own beliefs.
He was some sort of priest in his tribe.
Ah, Indians have priests? You just lost me...
What are their beliefs?
Every person has their own totem. An animal that represents their spirit.
Sounds amusing but I don't understand.
Mani...Would you mind?
Don't be afraid. No harm will come to you.
You...
cariboo...its a kind of deer.
Yes, a deer. What do you think my wife?
Am I a deer by my own horns or by someone elses?
And my dear Thomas? What is his...
...totem? -Worm.
A book-worm.
Snake. -Snake?
According to the Indians, Snakes stand for wisdom.
Wise snake.
And you, Mr. Intendant?
A pig.
Away with that frown.
With those barbarians, the pig may represent nobility.
Who is next? Sardis? -No! No.
I am.
What am I? Half lion...and...half eagle?
Change me into a lizard so my arm will grow back...
That's enough.
What's the matter? Have I gone to far?
Let go of me, let go of me...let go of me!
Madame, what about you?
Excuse me, but your tricks bore me.
I choose to call it a night, before you start dancing on a ball.
Good evening.
This should relax you.
It's not Paris, but it's the best Mende has to offer.
It is more comfortable then an inn.
They are all for you, gentlemen. And we also have a new one...
My dear Marquis, come.
I dont come cheap, Gregoire de Fronsac.
Do we met before? -From here, Gevaudan looks tiny.
ltalian.
yes, I have passage in this beautiful country.
I have money.
Money is not the only issue.
So?
What did this?
An Iroquese arrow.
So close to your heart...
Maybe...I am a lucky man.
And this?
A bear.
The price of love.
You haven't seen anything yet.
I have a dangerous job.
Not all men have manners like you.
A scar to remember me by.
A Scandal in my house! A scandal.
Valentine! What is it!?! -I won't sleep with this sorcerer.
What does it mean? -He snakes all over his body.
Our reputation will be finished.
It's nothing, it is an Indian. Not a sorcerer.
I won't sleep with an Indian. -You hookers are so delicate...
Girls? Who's going to sleep with the red skin?
I will double the price.
I like his sketches... -Voila, Everything's under control...
So...like that you are a wizard?
Would you do my portrait?
If you need passage.
The weeks passed...
...yet no sign of the Beast.
It was the third winter under his lordship's rule...
...we knew the snow and the cold...
...much like our weapons, would not make it stop.
Think about the threats God had spoken through the mouth Moses...
"I will come to you like a bear who has lost her young...
...I shall tear your children apart like a lion. Poision shall replace intestines...
...I shall send the Beast to consume your mortal life, your soul...
... and your precious cattle...
...leaving your crops but barren fields of dust."
How long will you stay angry, Lord?
Each victim receives a candle.
Do you really think we live in a rational time?
Mercy.
I ask forgiveness.
Mercy.
Bless me.
What is it, my son?
God punished me. My children are gone.
I'm doomed. We're all doommed.
Assemble your men, we leave at once.
Alert Mani, I will meet up with you soon.
Good evening, friend of the wolves.
I've got something for you.
I would like to see you, Marianne. Alone.
In ten days my mother and father will be away.
Ten days?
I am not as free as you are.
Hand me a torch.
Bring me the torch.
A storm is on its way and my men are tired.
We'd better head back.
No. Let's find the girl.
I found the child.
Captain, those traps you set, catch more peasants than wolves.
Your men misuse their power over the population.
And since your little hunt, the Beast has killed twelve times.
I don't understand. No way it could have escaped.
What's that? -...no way it could have escaped.
And you, Knight, do you know what kind of wolf this is?
Gentlemen...
I am certain it's not a wolf...
Wolves do not attack people. I observed them in Canada.
Perhaps you observe different kinds of wolves. One that is enraged, would attack anyone.
One that has become ravanous, would die in under two weeks.
Still its alive and loose. For more then two years now...
...I have also seen wounds a wolf could never have made, on the victims bodies.
And I found, in a body of a victim, a piece of metal.
So?
So...
No animal has metal teeth.
Well the Beast not an animal then Tell me Knight, how do we catch it?
As we speak now, people are being killed.
I think we should listen carefully to Fronsac.
So, Knight, according to your statements, The Beast is no ordinary animal.
I'm glad you admit its something extraordinary.
I wont admit anything. I only have my doubts.
Knight, do you have something else to add?
No.
Gentlemen, I received this from Paris.
Captain Duhamel, His Majesty was informed about your inability to capture the Beast...
... and I was asked to remove you from this case.
You and your men may leave at once and rejoin your regiment in Langogne.
Sir Beauterne is already on his way to Langogne...
...with orders from his Majesty to kill this ferocious wolf.
He is the only one who shall have the authority to hunt in the district.
Gentlemen.
Have you forgiven me?
I would like to know my totem? Do I say that properly?
I would say...
...a mermaid.
You are ever serious. I will ask your red skinned man.
And the Beast? Are you going to persue it?
No. -You don't want to talk about it?
I could only draw an obsurd conclusion, labelled a bafoon in front of the King.
If I said the Beast is made of flesh and iron...
...that it can think like a human and disappear at will...
What would you think? -That the country air has made you mad.
People think that it hides from me...
You haven't been here long. Have you given up so easily.
Did you think the Beast would give up easily?
Maybe it's scared of you. -Am I so scary?
The more difficult the victory, the greater the satisfaction.
Jean-Francois said you wanted to go to Africa.
It's a dream of a Naturalist... ...who is fed up with the winter.
And you? Ever want to discover new lands?
Women have more responsibilities, than their desires.
Do you see Sardis on the far wall?
Does he keep an eye on you? -No
He watches me.
Alone with you in the park, that is were he might be of help.
Let us go inside, the priest will catch a cold.
Goodnight, Knight.
Is it love? -I don't know.
I know.
The maps?
I didn't need them for you my friend.
Let us drink.
To Mademoiselle de Morangias.
Why?
Her brother was here too that night.
Did you sleep with him?
With him? He is not to be touched.
He looks, he drinks...
...and when he's drunk, he talks in his sleep. Like all men.
Do I talk in my sleep?
What do I say then?
Again, again
Do you know how Florentine women keep their men from straying?
They give their husbands slowly working poison each morning.
...and each night, an antidote.
Men who sleep elsewhere will have terrible nightmares as a result of the poison.
A women like you doesn't need that...
We are also not married.
Let Antoine de Beauterne through...
...carrier of His Majesty, who will release the region..
...of the Beast.
Monsieur, I am Gregoire de Fronsac. -Oh yes, I remember. Buffon's servant.
The balmer and naturalist.
He is staying with the Intendant. We have an a pressing appointment. No time to talk.
His Majesty asked me my opinion regarding your report.
Complicated fables...
I think...the Beast is a wolf.
Tomorrow I will leave to investigate.
I don't want you to acompany me.
Why not?
The King wants gave me the orders...
...and me alone...
I don't need you to finish this.
You'll find a letter signed by Mr. Buffon on the table...
...and our beloved King.
I am but a servant, but believe me, it's not...a wolf
I read your report. Don't waste anymore of your time with the Beast my friend.
I will take care of it.
You are dismissed.
Come, come, come.
Come!
A women from Lorciere. Heading back from a party...
We lost it south of the Mouchet. It just vanished.
Knight, The Beast has killed again. A women in Saint-Alban.
God punished me, my children are gone.
No more than you, do I believe in monsters.
The snout was longer and the teeth were like knifes.
I am certain it's not a wolf...
It's not an animal? -One that is enraged, would attack anyone.
How do we catch it?
No animal has metal teeth.
Knight, you have to come at once.
I saw it.
He filled her with poison and began speaking in tongue... satanic words.
He is a heretic. Satanist!.
Let him be.
It's an ancient Indian remedy.
Only our prayers can save her now...
But....she wasn't...
It's a miracle.
Tell me. What happend to your brother?
A man along side the Beast? -She doesn't know what she is saying.
Yes, Monsieur. The Beast is dead.
Ten bullets. It didn't survive.
We brought you tools. Start at once.
That's not the Beast. -Start. Mr. Beauterne will be here shortly.
Ridiculous.! This is not the Beast. -As I said, Mr. Beauterne will be here shortly.
I dont like the way you work. -Greetings. Leave us soldier.
Fronsac? You do not like my Beast?
What's the meaning of this? You know very well this animal is not the Beast.
His jaws are twice as big as these. -You have everything at your disposal to arrange that.
My orders are to bring the Beast to Paris, dead.
You will fabricate one for me.
Do you want the King to believe.. -No, Fronsac.
I merely carry out his will.
You should too. That would be wise. -Are you threatening me, Monsieur?
At my age? No However, you should be aware of who I am...
...and the fact, you're too intelligent to have yourself threatened.
If you carry out your orders, the King will be very pleased.
If you don't carry them out, he will be very dissapointed.
Do you have everything you need? I'm counting on you my friend. See you.